How to Plan the Ultimate Romantic Valentine’s Dinner Date at Home

Give us the chance for an evening out and we’ll take it. But sometimes, a date in can be even more fun. It’s all the romance of a cozy, candlelit dinner, minus the stress of figuring out what to wear and how to pay for overpriced food. Valentine’s Day — the perfect excuse for a dinner date — is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than with an intimate night in? From desserts to decorations to cocktails, these fun, flirty DIYs are the perfect recipe for the ultimate romantic V-Day date night for you and your sweetie.

1. King of Hearts Valentine: It’s not Valentine’s Day without a DIY Valentine, right? Show your king (or queen) of hearts some love with these easy-peasy cards. (via Brit + Co)

3. Crab Cake Poppers: Ahh, this appetizer looks so good we could almost skip the main course. Almost. (via Foodie Crush)

4. Pistachio-Encrusted Sea Scallops: Cover the basics with a meal that’s easily prepared and equally as impressive. Too busy (or lazy) to whip this up on your own? Just order in and dish up the takeout. We won’t tell. (via A Food for Thought)

5. Table Setting: Whether it’s a date for two or a bash for friends, this glam tablescape is the perfect setting. Copper wire bent into guests’ names makes unique and fun place cards. (via Elizabeth Anne Designs)

7. Grown-Up Fort: Okay, fine, this might be in *place* of those candles (hello, fire hazard), but how fun would an adult fort be for a cozy night in?! (via Brit + Co)

8. Quick Touchable Curls: If there’s one thing every girl should know, it’s how to pull off some quick curls. This tutorial offers all the tips you need to get that “Hey, gorgeous” from your Valentine. (via Brit + Co)

9. 3D Origami Heart Garland: It’s all about hearts, so set the scene with this simple-yet-sweet garland. (via How About Orange)

10. Metallic-Dipped Taper Candles: Everything looks better by candlelight, so go easy on the decor and just light a few of these bad boys to really set the mood. (via Oleander + Palm)

13. DIY Bouquet: A beautiful bouquet is one of the best ways to make a statement. This easy DIY proves that you don’t have to be a professional florist to put together some flowers. (via Style Me Pretty)

14. Conversation Heart Confetti: Scatter this DIY confetti around your apartment for a flirty vibe, or gather some up to toss at just the right romantic moment. (via Brit + Co)

18. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Layer Cake: The ultimate V-Day dessert, in all of its chocolatey glory. We love how this decadent cake incorporates chocolate-covered strawberries — how could you celebrate Valentine’s Day without them? (via Annie’s Eats)

20. Homemade Massage Oil: Love is truly going to be in the air with one spritz of your very own homemade massage oil. A foot massage with your favorite essential oils mixed with coconut oil will make your loved one will feel right at home after a long day. (via Lynne Knowlton)

21. Grilled Rib-Eye Steak With Parrano Herb Compound Butter: Make your favorite meat lover a dish that will be extremely hard to forget. These one-pound beauties are grilled to perfection with a cheese and herb-mixed butter spread that adds incredible flavor to each bite. (via What’s Gaby Cooking)

22. One Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi: This recipe is for anybody who loves a delectable 20-minute meal with minimal cleanup. It doesn’t get any easier than shredding store-bought rotisserie chicken and adding to a pan of pillow-y gnocchi in a creamy good sauce. (via Eat Yourself Skinny)

23. Date-Night Makeup: Whatever you have planned, remember that you’re the best part of the surprise, so grab your favorite eyeliner, smokey eye kit, and lip tint to complete the perfect date-night look. (via Brit + Co)

24. Love Note Scavenger Hunt: Take your bae on a sweet trip down memory lane by writing all the reasons why you love them. Then, for fun, hide the love notes in unexpected places like in the car or even on the screen of a closed laptop. (via Because I’m Addicted)

26. Thumbprint Heart Mason Jars: Make your mark this Valentine’s Day with a centerpiece that’s as unique as your thumbprint with just a quick trip to the craft store. (via It All Started With Paint)

27. Valentine’s Day Truffles: Is it even the day of love if there’s not chocolate involved? Make your own with this simple dark chocolate truffle recipe that’s easy and waaaaay better than any store-bought option. (via Give Recipe)

28. Hibiscus Champagne Cocktail: If you think you can only drink Champagne for a celebration, we say that love is a celebration in and of itself. The best part about this cocktail is you only need three ingredients: a bottle of bubbly, hibiscus syrup, and an edible hibiscus flower. Cheers! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

29. Valentine’s Day Oreo Pops: Sometimes the simplest desserts bring the most satisfaction, like these Oreo pops draped in colorful chocolate and put on a stick for convenience. (via Happiness is Homemade)

30. Fancy Balloon Arch: Whether you’re making this for a bar cart or even an actual entrance, you’re honey is going to love that you welcomed them with such a big and bold gesture of love. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Are you going out or staying in this Valentine’s Day? Let us know how you’re celebrating V-Day on Twitter @BritandCo!

Bethany Kosten is a freelance editor at Brit + Co. and an information junkie who is passionate about creating and consuming clever content. Being an idea enthusiast makes her unique, but also — and this is critical — awesome. Side note: Bethany is a serial chips and salsa eater. (Seriously, hide them.)